Passports: Religion
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the photograph software used for passport applications; and what steps she is taking to ensure that the software does not discriminate against people wearing (a) turbans and (b) other religious head coverings.
Answered by Seema Malhotra
The initial check to guide if a photo meets the internationally agreed standards for passports utilises an algorithm provided by a leading technology provider.
The testing of the photo checker was extensive and included wearers of religious headwear to optimise the algorithm for passport purposes. However, feedback is welcomed from across the approximately seven million people who apply online for a passport each year, and their experiences continue to help inform further refinement to best meet the needs of HM Passport Office and all of its customers.
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